Metalmark Butterflies (Riodinidae)

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The Metalmarks (Riodinidae) are a large family of butterflies, found mostly in tropical areas around the world.

Their presence in the United States is limited to a few species and areas.

Generally they are small, indescript, brown butterflies. Close examination of a species might reveal a metallic sheen to the wings.

Many of the smaller brown species resemble moths. However, the light color lines through the wings often take a metallic look. They also have knobbed antennae.

The top picture is the Mormon Metalmark, found across the Rocky Mountain and West Coast states. It is one of the more colorful species, and it has the largest range of any United States species.

Most metalmark species are found along the Southwest border of the United States and the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

The Fatal Metalmark in the picture inhabits the entire region. It is commonly found in riparian areas, perching on low bushes with its wings open.

Other metalmark species have more limited geographical ranges.

The Palmer's Metalmark in the picture is found in the desert Southwest.

The two most colorful metalmark species in the United States, the Blue Metalmark and Red-bordered Pixie, reside in areas along the Lower Rio Grande valley.

Three species are found east of the Rocky Mountains. The Northern Metalmark and Little Metalmark appear in pockets along the East Coast. Swamp metalmarks have established a small presence along the lower Great Lakes region and Midwest.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels. All Rights Reserved.